Members of Bikers Against Child Abuse meet in Pioneer Park Tuesday to bring awareness to the growing problem of child abuse. (Christy Steadman / Daily Record)

Florence — One of the goals is to break the chain of child abuse.

Tuesday, Bikers Against Child Abuse met in Pioneer Park in Florence for their 11th annual candlelight vigil to bring awareness to the growing problem of child abuse.

Oz, president of the Fremont County chapter of Bikers Against Child Abuse, said they have been doing the local candlelight vigils since 2003, when the Fremont County chapter established in the area.

Along with Oz and other BACA members, Victim's Advocate for Family Crisis Services Shantell Lynch and Fremont County Sheriff Jim Beicker attended the vigil to show their support for BACA's cause.

"They came the first year that I assumed sheriff, and I've supported them ever since," Sheriff Beicker said, and addressing the vigil attendees, "You may be small, but I think you're a powerful group — and the purpose you serve is critical."

Fremont County BACA Vice President, Diablo, said that BACA is a one-named brotherhood that goes by their road names. He said that when a child comes into the family, they also get to pick out their own road name.

"It's an extended family for all of us, especially for our kids," Diablo said.

Oz said said BACA exists to help kids who are victims of abuse through their hard times. He said they help them "get over being a victim and become a survivor."

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Oz said 30 to 60 percent of abusers were victims of child abuse themselves.

"We want to break that chain and help children that are victims now," he said. "We want them to know that there are other avenues."

According to the BACA website, "BACA is a non-profit, 501-C-3 tax exempt organization that exists to provide aid, comfort, safety and support for children that have been sexually, physically and emotionally abused." The website states that BACA members "are dedicated to the principle that one of the basic rights of childhood is to be safe and protected, and when the child's family and environment have failed them, we stand ready to provide it to them."

According to the website, BACA is a worldwide effort, with chapters in Australia, Italy, Netherlands, Belgium and Canada. Only 11 states in the U.S. do not have established BACA chapters. Locally, the Fremont County chapter also serves Pueblo.

Oz said BACA chapters "100 percent volunteer," efforts and in order to become a "patched" BACA member, a person has to be "extremely dedicated." Oz said, to be eligible to become a patched member, a person has to pass a federal background check and spend one year as a supporter, and of course, have to ride a motor bike that can keep up with highway speeds.

He said they meet once a month at 7 p.m. every second Friday at the Penrose Community Library, 35 Seventh Ave. Oz said the meetings are open to the public.

April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month, and BACA will be having a fundraiser from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at Alco, 1711 Fremont Dr., where they will be taking donations to support their cause. Oz said all the donations will go directly to kids of abuse and may be spent on toys or to help fund their summer or Christmas parties.

Also on Saturday, BACA will be holding another candlelight vigil at 6 p.m. at the Pueblo Christian Activity Center, 2039 Alma Ave., Pueblo, 81004. Oz said people who are not BACA members are also invited to attend.

"Society, for too long, has tried to keep (child abuse) a secret," Oz said. "BACA is here to empower children and help them not be afraid of the world in which they live."

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